Heat Holders Socks, Baselayers and Leggings

Heat Holders is a British company, with distribution in North America, founded by David Doughty and inspired by the less-than-warm thermal socks his young son once wore for soccer.

With a background in the sock industry, Doughty wanted to craft thermal socks that would actually be warm. So, he developed an extra-soft acrylic, long-loop fabric to trap and hold warm air close to the body.

I’ve recently been testing Heat Holders LITE Thermal Socks ($16.99) , insulating leggings ($14.99) and micro fleece baselayers ($24.99 for the top and $24.99 for the bottom)

As you might have noticed, these are low prices. And while I’m always up for a bargain, the bargain has to perform. 

Here’s what I think.

Ladies LITE Long Socks

A bit thicker than most of my ski socks, these fit well and are, as advertised, extremely soft.

I had no problem with them until I washed them…and put them in the dryer. MISTAKE.

The care instructions clearly state that all Heat Holders products should be line-dried. To make that more clear: no tumble dryer, ever. 

The exterior of the sock is still attractive, the socks still fit well and they are still warm, but the interior pile is a bit clumpy and pilled and I suspect I’m shortened their useful life.

Still, I have no problem recommending these inexpensive socks for kids and adults who like a thicker sock (remember, these were the LITE socks — the others may be even thicker) and are happiest when their feet are well-cushioned.

Micro Fleece Baselayers

If I worked for Consumer Reports, I’d have no option but to name these baselayers a “best buy.”

Utilitarian in design, with a long-sleeve quarter-zip top and basic pants, these micro fleece layers are really warm. I first tried them in my home, on a frigid day, wearing them alone while working in my office. I was toasty.

Next, I wore them skiing and I didn’t need a sweater. And, while I expected the polyester fabric to retain odor, these layers were no more stinky after several wearings (without washing) than my other baselayers. As for sizing, I ordered up one size anticipating that they might run small. They did not, although the shapes are rather boxy and the fabric is thick which means they take up extra space under your ski clothes. Body-skimming, these are not.

On the downside, you must follow the care instructions. The dye will run and will stain. But if you follow the care instructions (which clearly say to separate by color!), wash them separately and hang them dry, they’re a solid choice. While I can’t say how they’ll hold up over time and multiple wearings/washings, the price makes them a great deal.

Now, if only Heat Holders would make these for kids (hint, hint!).

Insulating Leggings

Compared to cotton leggings, there is no comparison. These leggings are made of a brushed polyester fabric that is soft and comfy, is the right weight for warmth and modesty, and fits well with no bagging or sagging. And they are warm, warm, warm. Pair them with a skirt and boot and venture into even the coldest weather. I love mine. And I’m washing them properly.

The Verdict

Plain Jane, serviceable, soft, warm and value-priced, these socks and layers deliver exactly what they promise. The quality is fine for the price and so far, they are holding up well. Follow the care instructions!

Thermacell Heated Insoles

I was given some Thermacell insoles last winter to try and they were not a good fit for me, mostly because I refuse to switch out the custom insoles in my ski boots. That’s just how I am: I’m a footbed true believer. And while I’m not an ice fisher, my brother is and he thought they’d be great for cold days on ice. The problem was, the insoles I had were much too small for him.

Luckily, my ski writer friend Richie Silver did the hard work of testing this product.

Here’s his review.

Don’t Get Cold Feet!

The new Thermacell ProFlex Heated Insoles provide all day foot warming comfort at the touch of a button. Cushioned batteries fit flat into heavy-duty cut-to-size comfort footbeds and are controlled—-wait for it——by your smartphone!

Download the free app for Android or iPhone, pair via Bluetooth technology and cold feet will be a thing of the past. The high-capacity batteries pop out easily and charge in less than 2 hours, providing up to 8 hours of cozy toesies. You can even regulate left and right separately with 3 temperature settings right on your phone. All day warmth and comfort…sign me up! 

Giveaway 1

Heat Holders has generously donated one pair of socks and one set of baselayers for giveaway! 

To enter, please leave a comment. For an additional entry, please follow Heat Holders on Facebook or Twitter.

One winner will be chosen randomly on March 1, 2017.

Giveaway 2

While Richie reviewed the newest iteration of the ProFlex insoles, I’ve got a brand-new, still in the box pair from last season that I’m giving away! They are controlled by a small remote that you keep in your pocket, rather than your smartphone. They fit Women’s sizes 8.5-10 or Men’s 7.5-9.

Interested? Leave a comment. One winner will be chosen randomly on March 1, 2017. I apologize but the Thermacell giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.

Good luck!

Many thanks to Heat Holders and Thermacell for providing product to facilitate this post. As always all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends. 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Danielle and Roberto!

More 2016-2017 Gear Notes

• New Year, New Gear: Ski Fashion from Fera, Meister and Orsden, January 17, 2017.
• Gear Notes: An Innovative New Ski Boot Bag from Kulkea (Giveaway), September 21, 2016.
• Gear Notes: From Winter to Spring with Kamik, ColoRundies and Bag Balm (Giveaway), April 25, 2016.
• Gear Notes: Goggles from Native and Smith, Mountain Goat Tote and Split Pea Sound, March 24, 2016.
• Gear Notes: Cubbies Keep Mittens On, “Decadent” Wine in a Pouch and Two from New Zealand, February 3, 2016.
• Gear Notes: CO and CA Ski Resorts Periodic Tables, StickerKid and StöSnow Ski Pants, January 27, 2016.
• Gear Notes: S’No Queen, Block Island Organics Sunscreen, Speet Wax, January 11, 2016.

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